Multi-color printing

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for depositing fluid on a material in a predetermined design includes an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design. The plate has passage means for directing fluid through the plate into the recess. In use, the plate is moved into sealing contact with the material and a fluid injector unit is operated to direct fluid through the passage in the plate and into the recess. A resilient gasket member is interposed between the fluid injector unit and the plate. The gasket member has a rib thereon which projects into a distribution groove formed on one side of the plate. The surfaces of the rib and surfaces defining the distribution groove have a sealing contact therebetween. Moreover, the construction is such that when the material and plate are moved into sealing contact, the resilient rib is forced in such a manner as to reduce the volume of the fluid distribution channel and when the plate and material are moved relatively apart, the resilient material releases causing an increase in the volume of the fluid distribution chamber. This increase in the volume of the fluid distribution chamber creates a suction effect acting to draw fluid away from the recess. The resilient gasket also has a portion which seals against the housing of the injector unit.

United States Patent Farrow 1 July 29, 1975 MULTl-COLOR PRINTING [75] Inventor: Harold Frederick Farrow, Hitchin, 'm Examiner-Maw s m England Assistant ExammerLeo M1llste1n {73] Assignee: Colorflo Limited, London, England 57 ABSTRACT [22] Filed: Aug. 4, 1971 Apparatus for depositing fluid on a material in a predetermined design includes an intaglio plate having at [21] Appl 168990 least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design. The plate has passage means for di- [30] Foreign Application Priority Data recting fluid through the plate into the recess. in use,

Apr. 22, 1971 United Kingdom 10883/71 the Plate is moved into Sealing Contact with the material and a fluid injector unit is operated to direct fluid 52 us. 01. 101/115; 101/114; lO1/l28.2; through the Passage in the Plate and into the reeess- A 18/411; 118/3; 101565; 101666; 01/1271 resilient gasket member is interposed between the 511 1m. 01. B05c 3/02 fluid ihieeter unit and the P The gasket member 58 Field of Search 118/216, 264, 400, 401, has a rib thereon which P j into a distribution 118/410, 4} 1, l01/114, 115 I282 groove formed on one side of the plate. The surfaces of the rib and surfaces defining the distribution groove [56] References Cited have a sealing contact therebetween, Moreover, the UNITED STATES PATENTS construction is such that when the material and plate are moved into sealing contact, the resilient rib is 1,786,347 12/1330 Kennedy lOl/l91l4l); forced in Such a manner as to reduce the Volume of 91547 the fluid distribution channel and when the plate and 5 W942 Esteneg l X material are moved relatively apart, the resilient matezg b- V1953 18/44 rial releases causing an increase in the volume of the 2,697,253 12/1954 K f l l 13 30 fluid distribution chamber. This increase in the vol- 2,794,415 6/1957 Hillman 118/3 ume of the fluid distribution chamber creates a suc- 3,009,415 11/1961 Har y i 101/3 tion effect acting to draw fluid away from the recess. 11/1962 Bornemiinn i i 113/412 The resilient gasket also has a portion which seals 3,102,829 9/1963 Rathbun, Jr. 118/410 against the housing f the injector unit. 3,190,259 6/1965 Craig et al. 118/2 3,197,082 7/1965 Palombo 222/207 27 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures 1H 11 /6 I 4 1 I 2 f 1 f e. I "1 i 30 L 4 (/6 3 5 A5 PATENTED JUL 2 9 i975 SHEET MULTI-COLOR PRINTING The present invention relates to apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, and particularly relates to apparatus which includes an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design and passage means for directing fluid through the intaglio plate and into the recess.

Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design through the thickness of an intaglio plate is known. In this connection, attention is directed to the article in the British Printer of Septemter, 1968, entitled Multi-colour Printing from One Impression. This publication discloses an intaglio plate having a recess in one surface thereof and a fluid injector for directing fluid through a passage in the plate and into the recess. There are other similar publications.

These prior art disclosures, however, do not disclose an arrangement for providing an effective, simple seal between the fluid injector unit and the intaglio plate. In accordance with the present invention, a seal arrangement which is effective and simple in construction is provided. The seal includes a resilient gasket which is provided with at least one rib thereon. The rib projects into a distribution channel on the back side of the intaglio plate. The rib engages the surfaces defining the distribution channel and a fluid-tight seal is established therebetween.

In addition, and in accordance with the present invention, the rib is compressed into the distribution channel and decreases the volume thereof during the depositing of the fluid on the material. After the depositing step, the rib relaxes and increases the volume of the distribution channel. The increase in the volume of the distribution channel results in a suction effect in the recess in the intaglio plate which tends to draw fluid from the recess into the distribution channel.

A seal is provided between the gasket and the housing of the injector unit. In this connection, each injector unit has a pilot portion which is located in an opening in a plate which supports the die plate, and the resilient gasket member engages the injector unit housing and provides a seal therebetween.

The resilient gasket of the present invention not only provides the afore-mentioned seals, but also the resilient gasket is constructed so as to minimize the possibility of wear of the die plate in the area of the recess or distribution channels. To this end, the resilient gasket and die plate are constructed so that a gap is formed between the main body of the resilient gasket and the die plate. As a result, when the die plate and gasket are moved into sealing contact with the material, the gap is closed due to the force of the press in which the unit is being used. When the gap closes, the portion of the resilient gasket projecting into the distribution channel in the die plate is compressed and, as a result, the compressed portion provides a relatively solid support for the die plate in the area of the distribution channel. This minimizes stressing of the die plate by constant working thereof during repeated operation thereof. After the gap closes, further application of force to the die plate and further movement of the die plate efiect a further compression of the resilient gasket, causing a decrease in the volume of the distribution channel, as noted hereinabove, so that on withdrawal of the die plate from the material, the afore-mentioned suction effect is created. As a result, the gap construction provides for enhancing the suction effect, as well as reinforcing the die plate in the area of the distribution channel so as to minimize wear thereon.

Further features of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art to which it relates from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment thereof made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic view illustrating a printing apparatus embodying the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a view taken approximately along the line 22 of FIG. 1 and illustrating one side of the resilient gasket utilized in the apparatus of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a view taken approximately along the line 4--4 of FIG. 1, and illustrating the fluid injector units and'their relationship with the fluid gasket and die plate;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged sectional view illustrating the construction of one of the fluid injector units and its relationship with the fluid gasket and die plate;

FIGS. 5, 6 and 7 are somewhat schematic views illustrating the action of the resilient gasket during a printing operation; and

FIG. 8 is a somewhat schematic perspective view illustrating the specific mounting of the injector units in a printing apparatus.

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the invention. 5

The present invention provides an improved apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, and may be utilized in engraving or in the appli cation of paint to a color card, or similar operations. As representative, the drawings illustrate the present invention as applied to an engraving operation and the description hereinbelow will be made in that connection. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the present invention to purely an engraving use.

As shown in FIG. 1, an engraving press is illustrated and includes an upper reciprocable member 11, and a lower or anvil member 12 on which material 13 to be engraved is positioned. The member 11 carries a unit, generally designated 14, which embodies the present invention. The unit 14, in general, includes a plurality of fluid injector or pump units 15, a die plate 16 having a recess R (see FIG. 4) corresponding with the design of the material to be deposited, and a resilient gasket 17 interposed between the die plate 16 and the injector units 15.

The fluid injector units 15 are each connected with a source 7 of fluid for deposit on the material 13. The fluid sources 7 are connected with the individual injector units 15 by suitable flexible conduits 18. The fluid sources 7 may contain different colored fluids for simultaneous deposit on the material 13, as will be apparent from the description hereinbelow.

Each of the sources 7 may be connected with individual injector units or a single source may be connected with a plurality of injector units. As illustrated in FIG. 1, two fluid sources 7 are connected with two separate fluid injector units. Each of the fluid sources 7 is connected with a supply of a suitable gas 20, such as nitrogen, which provides a pressure atmosphere above the supply of fluid in the source and which functions to aid in directing or forcing the fluid in the fluid sources 7 into the injector units 15, as will be apparent from the description which follows.

As best seen in FIG. 8, the unit 14 includes a plate 25 having a plurality of openings 26 therein. The openings 26 in the plate 25 are adapted to receive an upper pilot portion 27 of each of the injector units 15. Each injector unit also has a lower pilot portion 28 (see FIG. 4) which is adapted to be positioned in an opening 29 in a plate 30. The opening 29 in the plate 30 aligns with the opening 27 in the plate 25. The plate 30, as well as the plate 25, may have any arrangement of openings therein desired for purposes of mounting individual injector units 15 therebetween, as may be dictated by the particular job being performed. Moreover, dummy injector units, that is, injector units which are not connected with a fluid supply 7 may be positioned in these openings as well.

The plate is constructed so as to be readily secured to the reciprocating member 11 of the engraving press. The plate 25 may be secured by any suitable means to the reciprocating plate 11. Preferably, a means which allows for adjustment of the plate relative to the reciprocating member 11 is provided. In this manner, proper registry of the unit 14 relative to the reciprocating member 11 and relative to the material 13 can be effected. As shown in the drawings, suitable screws which extend through slots in the plate 25 may be provided for .this purpose. Upon loosening the screws, the unit 14 can be moved relative thereto for registry purposes, the slots being large enough to accommodate such movement.

The plate is constructed so that the die plate 16 and the resilient gasket 17 may be readily attached thereto. Such a construction may take many different forms and for purposes of the present application, it can be assumed that the die plate 14 and the rubber gasket 17 may be fastened to the plate 30 by suitable fasteners, not shown. Moreover, for purposes of providing a unitary construction, the plate 25 may be secured to the plate 30 by suitable securing means, or the members may be held together by suitable springs, schematically shown in FIG. 1 and designated 43. It should be apparent that a unitary construction is provided so that if the plate 25 is removed from the member 11, the fluid injector units 15, die plate 16, gasket 17 and plate 30 are also removed therefrom. Also, it should be apparent that upon release of the fasteners which secure the plate 16 and the resilient gasket 17 to the plate 30, a different plate having a different design therein may be secured to the plate 30 for purposes of the engraving of a different job.

Insofar as the present invention is concerned, the fluid injector units 15 may take a variety of different structural forms. In essence, the fluid injector unit 15 includes a housing formed of two parts and 41 which are mounted in a stacked relation to each other. The housing part 40 includes the pilot portion 28 which extends into the opening 29 in the plate 30. A piston assembly, generally designated 42 in FIG. 4, projects into the housing defined by the housing parts 40, 41. The piston assembly 42 includes a main piston member 43 and a second piston member 44 which are suitably secured together by suitable means in the form of a setscrew 45. The main piston member 43 has the pilot portion 27 thereon which projects into the opening in the plate 25. It should be apparent, of course, that upon reciprocating movement of the member 11 of the engraving press, the member 11 will apply a force to the piston members 42, 43 to effect movement thereof.

As noted above, the fluid supply 17 is connected by the conduit 18 to the ink injector unit 15. The conduit 18, as shown in FIG. 4, communicates through a suitable connection, generally designated 48, with a passageway 49 located in the piston member 43. The passageway 49 extends longitudinally of the piston member and contains at its outer end, or lower end, as shown in FIG. 4, a reciprocating piston unit, which is generally designated 50. The piston unit 50 which is reciprocable in the bore 51 in which it is contained is a hollow structure and includes a cylinder member 52 which is received in the bore 51 and is slidable therein. The cylinder member 52 at its upper end has an opening 53 therein which communicates with the fluid supply. Accordingly, it should be apparent that the fluid can flow from the fluid conduit 18, as shown in FIG. 4,.

through the connector 48 and into the passageway 49 and through the opening 53 and into the hollow piston member 52.

With the injector unit 15 in the position illustrated in FIG. 4, in which the engraving press members 11, 12 are out of contact and the member 11 is in its upper position, the fluid which flows into the hollow cylinder member 52 may flow therefrom through suitable openings 60 in the lower end of the member 52 and into an outlet chamber 61 defined in part by the housing member 40. When the press member 11 moves downwardly, the entire unit 14 is carried with that member 11 and the die plate 16 engages the material 13 and effects a seal therewith. The seal is effected primarily in the areas surrounding the recess formed in the die plate 16. Further, downward movement of the member 11 after the die plate 16 engages a material 13 and effects a seal therewith and causes the injector piston assembly 42 to move downwardly relative to the housing members 40, 41 and relative to the die plate 16. This downward movement results in the lower end of the piston, designated 65, moving into the chamber 61. Initial movement of the piston 65 causes a portion 66 thereof to slide over the openings 60 in the member 52 and thereby effect the closing of the openings 60. This structure in effect, comprises a slide inlet valve for the chamber 61.

Once the openings 60 have been closed, the chamber 61 then becomes a closed fluid chamber having a speciflc charge of a predetermined amount of fluid therein. This is due to the fact that the piston .65 is located a predetermined distance from the end wallor lower wall of the member 40 which defines chamber 61 when the openings 60 are closed thereby. Further movement of the lower end 65 of the piston then increases the pressure of the fluid in the chamber 61. As the pressure of the fluid in the chamber 61 increases, that pressure acts on a conical surface 69 on the lower end of the member 52. The fluid pressure will increase sufficiently so as to cause a retracting movement, that is, a movement of the member 52 into the piston against the bias of the springs 67 and 68 contained in the piston. As a result, the ball valve member 70 moves away from its seat 72 so that fluid is then ejected from the chamber 61 and through outlet openings 73 in the housing member 40.

The fluid which flows from the opening 73 flows into a passageway 74 through the gasket 17, and from the passageway 74 flows into a fluid distribution channel v 75 formed in the back side of the die plate 16. The fluid distribution channel 75 has a plurality of openings 76 therein which communicate with the die recess R or design formed in the face of the die plate 16. Accordingly,

it should be apparent that upon each reciprocation of 5 the member 11, fluid is forced from the supply chamber 61 into the recess R in the die plate 16.

In the event that the pressure in the recess R becomes too great, which may cause leakage of fluid between the die plate 16 and the material, or between the gasket 17 and the die plate, the fluid injector unit is provided with a pressure release or limiting system. The pressure release system consists of the ball valve 70 which is biased against the lower portion of the member 52 by a spring 80. In the event that the pressure in the system increases above that determined by the spring 80, the ball valve 70 will move away from the lower end of the member 52 and provide for a venting of the pressure, or a release of the pressure to the interior of the piston member 43, thereby, in effect, decreasing the pressure or limiting the pressure that is provided in the recess R.

As best seen in FIG. 3, the die plate 16 is provided on the rear surface thereof with a plurality of fluid distribution channels 75. Each of the channels 75 may be connected with a different fluid injector unit 15 and each fluid injector unit may be connected with a different color of fluid. As a result, each of the distribution channels 75 formed in the rear side of the plate 17 may have a different color fluid delivered thereto.

Each of the distribution channels 75, as illustrated in FIG. 3, has a plurality of fluid openings 76 which communicate with the recesses R formed in the opposite side or on the face side of the die plate 16. The openings 76 direct fluid from each of the fluid distribution channels 75 into the recesses, in the form of characters or designs formed on the front face of the die plate 16.

Each fluid distribution channel 75 is generally wedge shaped in configuration, as best illustrated in FIG. 4, and is defined by surfaces 86 and 87 which converge as they extend from the back side of the die plate toward the front side of the die plate. The converging surfaces 86, 87 terminate at and are connected by a bottom surface 88 which is substantially horizontal. The openings 76 which communicate the distribution channel 75 with the recesses R are formed in the bottom surface 88 of the distribution channel.

The fluid gasket 17 is constructed so as to provide a sealing engagement with the surfaces 86, 87 which define the fluid distribution channels 75 in the die plate, and also is constructed so as to provide a fluid-tight seal with the housing member 40 of each injector unit 15. The gasket member 17 comprises a substantially platelike member which has a main body portion 90 which is interposed between the plate 30 and the die plate 16. A gap 91 (see FIGS. 4 and 7) is provided between the main portion 90 of the gasket 17 and the die plate 16 when the member 11 is in its up position, as illustrated. The gap 91 is best illustrated in FIG. 4.

The gasket 17 additionally has ribs thereon, generally designated 92 and best shown in FIG. 2. The ribs 92 are formed in the same configuration as the distribution channels 75 in the die plate 16 and are adapted to be positioned within the distribution channels in the die plate 16. Accordingly, the ribs 92 are defined by converging surfaces 93, 94 and which converge as they extend from the main body of the die plate 17. The surfaces 93, 94 convenrge at substantially the same angle as the surfaces 86, 87 converge and, accordingly, the die plate surfaces 93, 94 engage the surfaces 86, 87. The ribs 92 which are formed on the gasket have an end surface 92a which terminates short of the bottom surface 88, and as a result the fluid distribution channel 75, as illustrated in FIG. 4, is defined by the surface 88 and the end surface 92a of the ribs 92, as well as by the lower portions of surfaces 86, 87.

As noted hereinabove, each injector unit 15 may communicate with each distribution channel or a plurality of injector units may communicate with a given distribution channel. As shown in FIG. 2 in the dotted lines, the opening 74 extends through the rib 92 in the upper left-hand corner of FIG. 2 and, therefore, communicates with the distribution channel thereat. In the rectangular lay-out in FIG. 2, two ink injectors 15 are illustrated as communicating with the rectangularly configured distribution channel 75.

The die plate 17 is constructed with the ribs 92 thereon by molding the die plate 17 directly onto the die plate 16 in stereo form. After the gasket has been molded on the die plate, the gasket 17 is removed therefrom and the outer ends of the ribs are ground down. Moreover, the main body 90 of the gasket is ground down by ten to twenty thousandths of an inch. As a result, when the gasket is located with the rib 92 positioned in engagement with the surfaces 86, 87, the gap 91 is provided.

FIGS. 4 through 7 illustrate the action of the resilient gasket 17 during an operation of the press. As illustrated in FIG. 4, the gasket and die plate, as well as the fluid injector unit 15, are illustrated in their up position, or prior to movement into engagement with the material 13 on which the fluid is to be deposited. As the member 11 moves downwardly, the die plate 16 en- The first action which occurs after movement of the die plate into engagement with the material is the disap-,

pearance of the gap 91. This is best illustrated in FIG. 5. In effect, what occurs is the rib 92 is compressed, particularly in the area designated A in FIG. 5, whereas the main body of the die plate 17 is not compressed, since the gap 91 merely has been taken up. As a result, the area A provides a solid reinforcement for the die plate 16 in the area of the recess formed therein. This solid compressed area provides substantial reinforcement of the die plate in this area and tends to minimize working of the die plate and provides for a longer life die plate. As best illustrated in FIG. 5, the thickness of the main body 90 of the resilient gasket in this condition, as designated by the letter I in FIG. 5, is the same as the thickness of the resilient gasket 17 as illustrated in FIG. 4. It should be apparent, however, that also, as illustrated in FIG. 5, the compression of the rib 92 results in a bowing of the rib 92 from the dotted position, as illustrated in FIG. 5, which is the original position of the rib, to a somewhat greater position, as illustrated in the solid lines. This, in effect, does take up or decrease the volume of the fluid distribution channel 75 from what the volume was prior to this movement, as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Continual downward movement of the member 11 effects movement of the piston member 43 so as to eject the charge of fluid from the chamber 61, as described hereinabove. This movement causes fluid to flow through the opening 74 in the resilient gasket 17 and into the fluid distribution channel 75 and onto the material 13. This movement, however, also causes a further compression of the resilient gasket 17 so that the thickness t of the main body 90 of the gasket is substantially reduced from the thickness shown in FIG. 5. Moreover, the rib 92 is further compressed and the material thereof flows in such a manner as to substantially decrease the volume of the fluid distribution channel 75 throughout the length thereof. This condition is illustrated in FIG. 6 and the dotted line therein designated X illustrates the original position of the rib 92. It is obvious that the volume of the fluid distribution channel has been reduced from the volume of FIGS. 4 and 5.

On withdrawal of the member 11 and the die plate 16 therewith from the material 13 which received the fluid, the die plate 16 and gasket 17 are returned to the positions which are illustrated in FIG. 4 where the gap 91 is reestablished. This is illustrated in FIG. 7. During this action, the volume of the fluid distribution channel 75 increases due to the fact that the rib 92 returns to the shape that it originally had. As a result of this increase in volume in the fluid distribution channel, a suction effect occurs therein. This suction effects tends to draw fluid into the distribution channel from the recess R and this suction effect is extremely important in preventing feathering of the fluid which was deposited on the material upon withdrawal of the member 11 in the die 16 from the material. As a result of this suction effect, a clearly defined image is provided on the material 13. As shown in FIG. 7, some fluid may remain in the fluid distribution channel 75 prior to the next operation of the member 11.

It should be apparent from the above description that the resilient gasket 17 performs a substantial sealing function in preventing contamination or communication of one fluid distribution channel 75 in the die plate 16 with another. This seal is provided by the fluid-tight sealing contact between the surfaces 93, 94 of the rib 92 and the surfaces 86, 87 defining the fluid distribution channel in the plate 16. Moreover, it should be apparent that this sealing pressure between the surfaces increases when the piston 43 in the fluid injector unit 15 is forcing fluid into the fluid distribution channel, so that the surfaces are not continuously under a high pressure sealing contact, but rather have the greatest sealing pressure at the approximate time. Moreover, it should be apparent that the gasket 16 functions to provide a suction effect on withdrawal of the die plate from the material, and, as noted above, this suction effect provides substantial advantages in the formation of a smooth well-defined character of the material 13.

In addition to the above, the fluid gasket 17 has a tip or projection thereon, generally designated 100. The projection 100 is conical in form and has the opening 74 extending therethrough. The projection 100 extends into a conically-shaped recess in the pilot portion 28 of the housing member 40. The conical surfaces of the recess in the member 40 and the concial-shaped projection 100 effect a fluid-tight seal therebetween. Such structure is best illustrated in FIG. 4. The conicalshaped formation and the recess provide an effective seal between the gasket and the housing portion of the injector unit 15. Accordingly, it should be apparent that applicant has provided a substantially improved system over that disclosed in the prior art and which is capable of multicolor impressions in a single movement of the plate 11 and wherein the appropriate seals are provided in an effective manner between the die plate and the fluid injector units 15, and where appropriate seals are provided in order to prevent intermingling of different color fluids being deposited on the material.

In use, the ink injector units 15 are preassembled between the plates 25 and 30 while the plates are off the press. The plates 25, 30 are provided with the plurality of pairs of aligned holes which are adapted to receive the portions 27, 28 of the injector units and a set of plates 25, 30 will accommodate a predetermined maximum number of injector units. If an injector unit is not required in a particulate location corresponding to a pair of aligned holes, a dummy injector unit is preferably utilized in its place, that is, a unit without a fluid connection but with loading springs for establishing the necessary printing pressure and sealing pressure for the gasket 17, is utilized, before the pistons of the ink injector units move in their ink injection strokes.

Referring to FIG. 4, it will be noted that the piston 44 is moved downwardly against the operation of a plurality of Bellville washers surrounding the member 43 of the main piston which acts as loading springs for establishing printing pressure. The dummy injection units may merely comprise a piston-cylinder arrangement having springs which correspond to the Bellville washer type springs 110 and may be a fluid injection unit not connected to a fluid supply. The use of either a dummy unit or an injector unit at each pair of openings assures that a uniform downward pressure is applied to the plate 30 and, in turn, from the plate 30 to the gasket 17 and the die plate 16.

In the preferred embodiment, the gasket 17 is formed with a projection 100 for each opening 29 in the plate 30 to facilitate manufacture of the gasket. The gasket is initially molded with a layer 17a on one side of metal plate 17b which forms the reinforcing plate of the gasket. The layer 17a is formed with a projection 100 at each possible location for an ink injector unit and this projection 100 will be received in the corresponding hole 29 for cooperation with an ink injector unit used in that location.

By always molding a projection 100 for each opening when the gasket 17 is formed, this portion of the mold need not be altered for different jobs.

The layer 17a of the gasket is molded to the plate 17b at the same time that the resilient gasket layer of the plate which has the projecting ribs 92 thereon is molded. The die plate itself and the distribution channels 75 therein are preferably used as the mold for forming the ribs 92, preferably in a manner similar to stereo molding.

After the relief molding 170 of the lateral distribution channel pattern on the plate has been made from the die plate, the die plate is shaved to remove a layer of material, for example, 0.010 of an inch, to reduce the height of the plate and the depth of the channel. Also, the ribs formed in relief by molding are ground to provide the flat surface 92a, shown on the ribs in FIG. 4, t

to thereby provide clearance between the surface 92a and the surface 88 in the plate 16. The grinding of the top of the plate 16 provides the space 91 between the gasket layer 17c and the printing plate 16 when the latter is used. The described method of operation provides a simplified method of manufacturing the gasket shown in FIG. 4 and assures accuracy and a good seal when used in cooperation with the die plate.

In addition to the grinding operation on the ribs after welding, each projection 100 on the gasket which is to cooperate with a fluid injection unit has the hole 74 drilled therethrough to provide communication from the ink pump through the gasket to the relief grooves in the back of the plate. The hole 74 extends through the plate 17b and the gasket layer 170.

The embodiment illustrated in FIG. 9 differs from that previously described in that a distributor plate 111 is interposed between a die or printing plate 116 and a support plate 124 and in that two gasket plates are present including a relatively upper gasket plate 117 lying between the distributor plate and the support plate and a relatively lower gasket plate 118 lying between the distributor plate and the die or printing plate 116.

The upper surface of the distibutor plate is formed with one or more printing liquid distribution channels 120 similar to the channels 40 in the back of the printing plate of the embodiment previously described and each communicating with a hole 121 passing through the gasket plate 117 and an injector pip 123 and being fed with one color of ink or the like from an injector 125 through a passage 126 in nozzles 128 of the injectors and the channels 120 are closed by the ribs 117 of the gasket plate in the manner described above and as the channels have sloping sides on all four sides and end faces the pumping and suction effect is achieved as described above with reference to FIGS. 1-8.

The lower gasket plate 118 which is also of rubber or the like is moulded or otherwise secured onto the bottom face of the distributor plate 11 1 although this is not essential and is provided with holes 129 which pass therethrough and which are aligned with holes 130 communicating with the channels 120 and which pass through projecting pips 133 which seal in conical holes 134 in the upper or rear surface of the printing plate 116 these holes terminating in the feed holes 142 for the recessed design of the plate.

The ink feed for the distribution channels 140 in the rear of the printing plate 116 can be seen in the right hand side of FIG. 9.

In this case the upper face of the distribution plate 111 is formed with a conical hole or holes 146 into which a pip 148 projecting from the lower face of the gasket plate 117 seals. The passages 121 through the gasket also extend through the pips 148 so that the ink from the injector is, in use, forced into the holes 164 and then through passages 170 each of which passes through the remaining thickness of the distribution plate and then through a hole 174 in a rib 176 projecting from the lower surface of the lower gasket plate 118 which rib seals in the upper portion of a tapering distribution channel 140 in the rear surface of the die plate 116 in a manner similar to that described above for ribs 38 and channels 40.

In use and on application of printing pressure the channels in the distribution plate as seen in the left hand side of FIG. 9 are fed with ink the gasket plate 117 being squeezed to extrude slightly into the channels 120 of the plate effecting a good seal. Ink from the channels 120 is fed to the printing plate 116 through the passages 158, 129, 134, and 142. The seal between the distribution plate and the rear surface of the printing plate being effected by the gasket 118 and the pip 133 in the hole 134.

At the same time ink is fed to the channels 140 on the rear face of the printing plate through the passages 121, 146, I and 174, the rib 176 acting to effect a good seal between the distribution plate and the printing plate and the pips 123 and 148 to effect a good seal between the nozzles of the injectors and the distribution plate.

On relaxation of the printing pressure both gasket plates 117 and 118 re-expand to provide suction in the manner described above with reference to FIGS. l-8.

It will be appreciated that the channels 120 can be positioned directly above and cross over the passages and these are only illustrated for clarity in FIG. 9 as being one to one side of the other. In the arrangement in which the distribution channels can overlie each other it will be appreciated that multicolor printing can be effected in a very small area while retaining proper separation of the different colors of the printing liquid.

It is anticipated that if, for example, four colors are to be printed, three distribution plates 110 may be provided, each separated from the other by an appropriate gasket plate 117 or 118. The arrangement in the right hand side of FIG. 9 will be used to pass ink through one or more distribution plates to the feed channels in a lower distribution plate or in the back of the printing plate and the arrangement shown at the left hand side of FIG. 9 will be employed to feed ink from the channels in any one distribution plate through one or more other distribution plates and through the thickness of the printing plate. With such an arrangement it is convenient for ink of one color to be distributed in channels in one particular distribution plate or in the channels in the back of the printing plate.

It is equally envisaged that all ink distribution may be carried out in distribution plates and that the distribution channels in the back of the printing plate may be omitted.

Finally, it is envisaged that one or more distribution plates in accordance with this invention can be employed without the use of the gasket plates 117 or 118 provided that effective sealing between the various plates is properly achieved, although it is preferred that the gasket plates be employed.

What is claimed is:

1. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design, passage means in said plate connecting the opposite surface of said plate with said recess to deliver fluid into said recess, a fluid injector unit having a housing with a fluid outlet and means for directing fluid under pressure from said outlet into said recess, and means interposed between said fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate and having a portion thereof in sealing contact with said housing of said injector unit and another portion in sealing contact with said plate, said means interposed between the fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate comprises a resilient gasket member having a projecting portion, said fluid injector unit housing having an opening therein for receiving said projecting portion of said resilient gasket, said opening in said housing and said projecting portion of said resilient gasket having corresponding converging surfaces in sealing contact. I

2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plate has open distribution channels in the side adjacent said gasket which are closed by said gasket and which communicate with said opening in said fluid injector unit housing.

3. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material as defined in claim 1 wherein said intaglio plate has a fluid distribution channel in one side thereof opposite the side having said one recess, and said means interposed between said fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate comprises a resilient gasket member having a rib portion thereon which projects into sealing contact with the surfaces defining the fluid distribution channel in said plate, said surfaces defining said fluid distribution channel and surfaces of said rib in sealing contact therewith having similar converging configurations.

4. An apparatus for use in a press to deposit fluid on material in a predetermined design comprising first and second spaced members adapted to be inserted and removed as a unit into and from the press, said first and second members having a plurality of pairs of aligned openings therein for selectively receiving fluid injector units with each pair of aligned openings being adapted to selectively receive a fluid injector unit or a noninjector spring-loading unit, a plurality of units including fluid injector units removably disposed between said members and each having portions received in the aligned openings of one of said pairs of openings and a plurality of piston-and-cylinder type non-injector spring-loading units disposed between said members and having portions received in said openings, a die plate disposed on the side of said second member remote from said units, and a gasket intermediate said die plate and said second members, said gasket having a projection received in each of said openings in said second member and an opening in each projection cooperating with an injector unit and extending through the gasket to communicate said die plate and said injector units, said die plate having open distribution channels in the side adjacent said gasket which are closed by said gasket and which communicate with said openings in said gasket projections.

5. Apparatus for use in association with a fluid injector for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design, means providing a fluid distribution channel in the opposite surface of said plate and defined by spaced inwardly extending surfaces, passages means connecting said fluid distribution channel with said recess to deliver fluid from said channel into said recess, and means having at least one rib thereon projecting into said channel and terminating short of the bottom of the channel so as to define a fluid distribution passageway therebetween, said rib contacting at least certain of said surfaces defining said fluid distribution channel and effecting a fluid-tight seal therebetween, said means comprising a rib further comprises a plate-like member having said rib disposed on one side thereof and a distribution recess opening inwardly from its other side and passage means opening into said recess and extending through said rib to communicate with said channel and said apparatus further comprising second means having a rib elemet projecting into said distribution recess and terminating short of the bottom thereof so as to define a fluid distribution passageway and means for delivering fluid through said rib to said distribution recess.

6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said apparatus includes a plurality of pump means for delivering different fluids and said plate-like member has a plurality of distribution recesses therein, and said second means comprises a rib element in each recess and said means for delivering fluid comprises passage means through said rib elements and interconnecting each of said pump means with a respective one of said recesses.

7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said means comprising a rib and said second means comprises gasket material compressed into sealing relationship with said channel and recess respectively when injecting fluid.

8. Apparatus for use in association with a fluid injector for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one major side thereof corresponding with the design, means providing a fluid distribution channel formed in the opposite major side of said plate, said channel being at least partially defined by a bottom portion disposed between the planes of said major sides of said plate and spaced side surfaces which extend transversely to said major sides of said plate, passage means connecting said fluid distribution channel with said recess to conduct fluid from said channel to said recess, and seal means for preventing the leakage of fluid along said side surfaces of said channel during the depositing of fluid on the material, said seal means including at least one rib projecting into said channel and terminating short of the bottom portion of said channel so as to define a fluid distribution passageway between said bottom portion of said channel and said rib, said rib including side surfaces disposed in tight abutting engagement with said side surfaces of said channel and effecting a fluid-tight seal therebetween.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further including passage means extending through said rib for conducting fluid from the injector through said rib to said fluid distribution passageway.

10. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said seal means further includes a gasket having a planar surface disposed adjacent to said opposite major side of said plate, said rib projecting outwardly from said planar surface of said gasket into said channel.

11. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said spaced side surfaces of said channel converge as they extend inwardly and said rib side surfaces of said rib also converge.

12. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the fluid injector includes a housing part, and said seal means includes means for sealingly engaging said housing part of the fluid injector.

13. Apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said seal means further includes a gasket in the form of a resilient plate and has a second passage extending therethrough, said second passage extending through said means for sealingly engaging the housing part of the fluid injector and through said rib to conduct fluid from the injector into said fluid distribution passageway.

14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said seal means has a main body portion from which said rib extends and which is slightly spaced from said opposite major surface of said plate when fluid is not being delivered to the recess.

15. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said seal means for cooperating with a surface of the fluid injector for effecting a seal therebetween.

16. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said rib comprises a means for supporting said intaglio plate in the area of said channel to tend to minimize flexing of said plate in the area of said channel.

17. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with said design, passage means for conducting fluid through said plate into said recess, means for moving said intaglio plate and material relatively in one direction into pressure engagement to provide a sealing contact therebetween around said recess and in the opposite direction after fluid is deposited on the material, means for at least partially defining a fluid channel connected in fluid communication with said passage means, said means for defining said fluid channel including a resilient member, a fluid injector unit for directing fluid under pressure into said fluid channel and passage means after said plate and material are in sealing contact, and means for creating a suction effect in said passage means when the material and plate are moved relatively apart to promote a flow of excess fluid from said recess into said passage means, said means for creating a suction effect including means for resiliently compressing said resilient member into said channel to reduce the volume thereof upon the establishment of the sealing contact between the material and said plate and for releasing said resilient member to increase the volume of said channel when the material and said plate are moved relatively apart.

18. Apparatus for depositing fluid as defined in claim 17 wherein said intaglio plate has a groove on one side thereof opposite the surface having said recess and said resilient member comprises a rib which is forced into said groove to reduce the volume of the fluid channel.

19. Apparatus for depositing fluid as defined in claim 12 wherein said fluid injector unit has a housing part and said apparatus further includes a portion connected with said rib and disposed in sealing engagement with said housing part.

20. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with said design, the opposite surface of said plate having a fluid distribution channel therein, said fluid distribution channel including a pair of spaced apart side walls extending transversely to said one surface of said plate, passage means in said plate for directing fluid from said fluid distribution channel through said plate into said recess, means for moving said intaglio plate and material relatively in one direction to provide a sealing contact therebetwen around said recess and in the opposite direction after fluid is deposited on the material, and means for supporting said plate in the area of said channel to minimize flexing of said plate during operation of said apparatus, said means for supporting said plate including means for applying pressure against said sidewalls of said channel.

21. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design, means providing a fluid distribution channel in the opposite surface of said plate, said channel being at least partially defined by side surfaces, first passage means in said plate connecting said channel with said recess to deliver fluid into said recess, a fluid injector unit having a housing with a fluid outlet and means for directing fluid under pressure from said outlet into said recess, and seal means interposed between said fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate and having a portion thereof in sealing contact with said housing of said injector unit and another portion in sealing contact with said plate, said seal means including at least one rib which projects in a first direction into engagement with said plate and effects a fluid tight seal with said plate about said channel and a resiliently deflectable portion which projects in a direction opposite said first direction into sealing engagement with said fluid injector unit.

22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21 further including second passage means extending through said resiliently deflectable portion and said rib for conducting fluid from said injector into said channel.

23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said rib projects in said first direction into said channel into abutting and sealing engagement with said side surfaces of said channel.

24. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with said design, the opposite surface of said plate having a fluid distribution channel therein, said fluid distribution channel including a pair of spaced apart side walls extending transversely to said one surface of said plate, passage means in said plate for directing fluid from said fluid distribution channel through said plate into said recess, means for moving said intaglio plate and material relatively in one direction to provide a sealing contact therebetween around said recess and in the opposite direction after fluid is deposited on the material, and means for supporting said plate in the area of said channel to minimize flexing of said plate during operation of said apparatus, said means for supporting said plate including a gasket in the form of a plate and means for applying pressure against said sidewalls of said channel, said means for applying pressure including a rib disposed on said gasket plate and projecting into said channel, said rib terminating short of the bottom of the channel, said gasket plate having a main body spaced apart from said intaglio plate to provide a gap therebetween prior to movement of said intaglio plate and material relatively in said one direction, said rib being made of resilient material which is compressed as said gap is reduced upon relative movement between said intaglio plate and material in said one direction to thereby provide said support.

25. An apparatus for use in a press to deposit fluid on material in a predetermined'design comprising first and second spaced members capable of being inserted and removed as a unit into and from the press, said first and second members having a plurality of pairs of aligned openings therein for selectively receiving fluid injector units with each air of aligned openings being configured to selectively receive either a fluid injector unit or a non-injector spring-loading unit, a plurality of units including fluid injector units removably disposed between said members and each having portions received in the aligned openings of one of said pairs of openings and a plurality of non-injector spring-loading units disposed between said plates and having portions received in said openings, a die plate disposed on the side of said second member remote from said units and a gasket disposed intermediate said die plate and said second member, said gasket having a projection received in each of said openings and an opening in each projection cooperating with an injector unit and extending through the gasket to communicate said die plate and said injector units.

26. Apparatus for use in depositing a plurality of different fluids on material in a predetermined design, comprising first and second spaced members having a plurality of discrete fluid injector units removably located therebetween, each of said injector units having a fluid outlet means interconnecting said spaced members for relative movement therebetween, said spaced members having means cooperating with portions of said injector units to locate the injector units therebetween, conduit means for connecting each of said injector units with a different source of fluid, and means for forcing a different fluid from the outlet of each of said injector units upon relative movement of said first and second members whereby a plurality of different fluids may be simultaneously deposited thereby on said material, said fluid injector units each have a pair of pilot portions which are removably insertable in openings in said first and second spaced members to accurately position said injector units relative to each other, said outlet of said injector units being located in the pilot portion received in said second member.

27. An apparatus for use in a press to deposit fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising first and second spaced members insertable as a unit into the press, surface means for defining a first series of identical openings connected with said first member, surface means for defining a second series of identical openings connected with said second member, each opening of said first series of openings being dispoed in alignment with an opening of said second series of openings, a plurality of fluid injector units removably disposed between said plate members for discharging fluid upon movement of at least one of said plate members to decrease the spacing between said plate members, each of said fluid injector units including a first end portion disposed in engagement with one of said openings of said first series of openings and a second end portion disposed in engagement with the opening of said second series of openings which is in alignment with said one opening of said first series of openings, a plurality of non-injector spring-loading units removably disposed between said plate members for yieldably opposing movement of at least one of said plate members in a direction decreasing the spacing between said plate members, each of said non-injector units spacing between said plate members, each of said non-injector units including a first end portion diposed in engagement with one of said openings of said first series of openings and a second end portion disposed in engagement with the opening of said second series of openings which is in alignment with said one of said first series of openings engaged by said first end portion of said non-injector unit, each of said injector units being interchangeable with one of said non-injector units to enable the spatial relationship between the injector units and non-injector units to be altered.

UNITED STA'LES PATENT O FFICE CERllFlCAlE 01* COliREC'llON Patent No. 3 896 722 Dated July 29, 1975 Inventor(s) Harold F F rrow It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In claim 20, line 58 delete "therebetwen" and add therebetween-.

In claim 25, line 7 delete "air and add pair--.

In claim 27, line 10 delete "dispoed" and add --disposed-.

In claim 27, line 26 after units, add -being ineffective to discharge fluid upon decreasing of the Signed and Sealed this twenty-fourth Day of February 1976 [SEAL] Arrest:

RUTH'C. MASON C. MARSHALL DANN Arrestmg ()jjlcer v Commissioner oj'lalents and Trademarks 

1. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design, passage means in said plate connecting the opposite surface of said plate with said recess to deliver fluid into said recess, a fluid injector unit having a housing with a fluid outlet and means for directing fluid under pressure from said outlet into said recess, and means interposed between said fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate and having a portion thereof in sealing contact with said housing of said injector unit and another portion in sealing contact with said plate, said means interposed between the fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate comprises a resilient gasket member having a projecting portion, said fluid injector unit housing having an opening therein for receiving said projecting portion of said resilient gasket, said opening in said housing and said projecting portion of said resilient gasket having corresponding converging surfaces in sealing contact.
 2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 wherein said plate has open distribution channels in the side adjacent said gasket which are closed by said gasket and which communicate with said opening in said fluid injector unit housing.
 3. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material as defined in claim 1 wherein said intaglio plate has a fluid distribution channel in one side thereof opposite the side having said one recess, and said means interposed between said fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate comprises a resilient gasket member having a rib portion thereon which projects into sealing contact with the surfaces defining the fluid distribution channel in said plate, said surfaces defining said fluid distribution channel and surfaces of said rib in sealing contact therewith having similar converging configurations.
 4. An apparatus for use in a press to deposit fluid on material in a predetermined design comprising first and second spaced members adapted to be inserted and removed as a unit into and from the press, said first and second members having a plurality of pairs of aligned openings therein for selectively receiving fluid injector units with each pair of aligned openings being adpated to selectively receive a fluid injector unit or a non-injector spring-loading unit, a plurality of units including fluid injector units removably disposed between said members and each having portions received in the aligned openings of one of said pairs of openings and a plurality of piston-and-cylinder type non-injector spring-loading units disposed between said members and having portions received in said openings, a die plate disposed on the side of said second member remote from said units, and a gasket intermediate said die plate and said second members, said gasket having a projection received in each of said openings in said second member and an opening in each projection cooperating with an injector unit and extending through the gasket to communicate said die plate and said injector units, said die plate having open distribution channels in the side adjacent said gasket which are closed by said gasket and which communicate with said openings in said gasket projections.
 5. Apparatus for use in association with a fluid injector for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design, means providing a fluid distribution channel in the opposite surface of said plate and defined by spaced inwardly extending surfaces, passages means connecting said fluid distribution channel with said recess to deliver fluid from said channel into said recess, and means having at least one rib thereon projecting into said channel and terminating short of the bottom of the channel so as to define a fluid distribution passageway therebetween, said rib contacting at least certain of said surfaces defining said fluid distribution channel and effecting a fluid-tight seal therebetween, said means comprising a rib further comprises a plate-like member having said rib disposed on one side thereof and a distribution recess opening inwardly from its other side and passage means opening into said recess and extending through said rib to communicate with said channel and said apparatus further comprising second means having a rib elemet projecting into said distribution recess and terminating short of the bottom thereof so as to define a fluid distribution passageway and means for delivering fluid through said rib to said distribution recess.
 6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said apparatus includes a plurality of pump means for delivering different fluids and said plate-like member has a plurality of distribution recesses therein, and said second means comprises a rib element in each recess and said means for delivering fluid comprises passage means through said rib elements and interconnecting each of said pump means with a respective one of said recesses.
 7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 wherein said means comprising a rib and said second means comprises gasket material compressed into sealing relationship with said channel and recess respectively when injecting fluid.
 8. Apparatus for use in association with a fluid injector for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one major side thereof corresponding with the design, means providing a fluid distribution channel formed in the opposite major side of said plate, said channel being at least partially defined by a bottom portion disposed between the planes of said major sides of said plate and spaced side surfaces which extend transversely to said major sides of said plate, passage means connecting said fluid distribution channel with said recess to conduct fluid from said channel to said recess, and seal means for preventing the leakage of fluid along said side surfaces of said channel during the depositing of fluid on the material, said seal means including at least one rib projecting into said channel and terminating short of the bottom portion of said channel so as to define a fluid distribution passageway between said bottom portion of said channel and said rib, said rib including side surfaces disposed in tight abutting engagement with said side surfaces of said channel and effecting a fluid-tight seal therebetween.
 9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 further including passage means extending through said rib for conducting fluid from the injector through said rib to said fluid distribution passageway.
 10. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said seal means further includes a gasket having a planar surface disposed adjacent to said opposite major side of said plate, said rib projecting outwardly from said planar surface of said gasket into said channel.
 11. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said spaced side surfaces of said channel converge as they extend inwardly and said rib side surfaces of said rib also converge.
 12. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein the fluid injector includes a housing part, and said seal means includes means for sealingly engaging said housing part of the fluid injector.
 13. Apparatus as defined in claim 12 wherein said seal means further includes a gasket in the form of a resilient plate and has a second passage extending therethrough, said second passage extending through said means for sealingly engaging the housing part of the fluid injector and through said rib to conduct fluid from the injector into said fluid distribution passageway.
 14. Apparatus as defined in claim 13 wherein said seal means has a main body portion from which said rib extends and which is slightly spaced from said opposite major surface of said plate when fluid is not being delivered to the recess.
 15. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said seal means for cooperating with a surface of the fluid injector for effecting a seal therebetween.
 16. Apparatus as defined in claim 8 wherein said rib comprises a means for supporting said intaglio plate in the area of said channel to tend to minimize flexing of said plate in the area of said channel.
 17. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with said design, passage means for conducting fluid through said plate into said recess, means for moving said intaglio plate and material relatively in one direction into pressure engagement to provide a sealing contact therebetween around said recess and in the opposite direction after fluid is deposited on the material, means for at least partially defining a fluid channel connected in fluid communication with said passage means, said means for defining said fluid channel including a resilient member, a fluid injector unit for directing fluid under pressure into said fluid channel and passage means after said plate and material are in sealing contact, and means for creating a suction effect in said passage means when the material and plate are moved relatively apart to promote a flow of excess fluid from said recess into said passage means, said means for creating a suction effect including means for resiliently compressing said resilient member into said channel to reduce the volume thereof upon the establishment of the sealing contact between the material and said plate and for releasing said resilient member to increase the volume of said channel when the material and said plate are moved relatively apart.
 18. Apparatus for depositing fluid as defined in claim 17 wherein said intaglio plate has a groove on one side thereof opposite the surface having said recess and said resilient member comprises a rib which is forced into said groove to reduce the volume of the fluid channel.
 19. Apparatus for depositing fluid as defined in claim 12 wherein said fluid injector unit has a housing part and said apparatus further includes a portion connected with said rib and disposed in sealing engagement with said housing part.
 20. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with said design, the opposite surface of said plate having a fluid distribution channel therein, said fluid distribution channel including a pair of spaced apart side walls extending transversely to said one surface of said plate, passage means in said plate for directing fluid from said fluid distribution channel through said plate into said recess, means for moving said intaglio plate and material relatively in one direction to provide a sealing contact therebetwen around said recess and in the opposite direction after fluid is deposited on the material, and means for supporting said plate in the area of said channel to minimize flexing of said plate during operation of said apparatus, said means for supporting said plate including means for applying pressure against said sidewalls of said channel.
 21. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with the design, means providing a fluid distribution channel in the opposite surface of said plate, said channel being at least partially defined by side surfaces, first passage means in said plate connecting said channel with said recess to deliver fluid into said recess, a fluid injector unit having a housing with a fluid outlet and means for directing fluid unDer pressure from said outlet into said recess, and seal means interposed between said fluid injector unit housing and said intaglio plate and having a portion thereof in sealing contact with said housing of said injector unit and another portion in sealing contact with said plate, said seal means including at least one rib which projects in a first direction into engagement with said plate and effects a fluid tight seal with said plate about said channel and a resiliently deflectable portion which projects in a direction opposite said first direction into sealing engagement with said fluid injector unit.
 22. Apparatus as set forth in claim 21 further including second passage means extending through said resiliently deflectable portion and said rib for conducting fluid from said injector into said channel.
 23. An apparatus as set forth in claim 22 wherein said rib projects in said first direction into said channel into abutting and sealing engagement with said side surfaces of said channel.
 24. Apparatus for depositing fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising an intaglio plate having at least one recess in one surface thereof corresponding with said design, the opposite surface of said plate having a fluid distribution channel therein, said fluid distribution channel including a pair of spaced apart side walls extending transversely to said one surface of said plate, passage means in said plate for directing fluid from said fluid distribution channel through said plate into said recess, means for moving said intaglio plate and material relatively in one direction to provide a sealing contact therebetween around said recess and in the opposite direction after fluid is deposited on the material, and means for supporting said plate in the area of said channel to minimize flexing of said plate during operation of said apparatus, said means for supporting said plate including a gasket in the form of a plate and means for applying pressure against said sidewalls of said channel, said means for applying pressure including a rib disposed on said gasket plate and projecting into said channel, said rib terminating short of the bottom of the channel, said gasket plate having a main body spaced apart from said intaglio plate to provide a gap therebetween prior to movement of said intaglio plate and material relatively in said one direction, said rib being made of resilient material which is compressed as said gap is reduced upon relative movement between said intaglio plate and material in said one direction to thereby provide said support.
 25. An apparatus for use in a press to deposit fluid on material in a predetermined design comprising first and second spaced members capable of being inserted and removed as a unit into and from the press, said first and second members having a plurality of pairs of aligned openings therein for selectively receiving fluid injector units with each air of aligned openings being configured to selectively receive either a fluid injector unit or a non-injector spring-loading unit, a plurality of units including fluid injector units removably disposed between said members and each having portions received in the aligned openings of one of said pairs of openings and a plurality of non-injector spring-loading units disposed between said plates and having portions received in said openings, a die plate disposed on the side of said second member remote from said units and a gasket disposed intermediate said die plate and said second member, said gasket having a projection received in each of said openings and an opening in each projection cooperating with an injector unit and extending through the gasket to communicate said die plate and said injector units.
 26. Apparatus for use in depositing a plurality of different fluids on material in a predetermined design, comprising first and second spaced members having a plurality of discrete fluid injector units removably located therebetween, each of said injector units having a fluid outlet means interconnecting said spaced members for relative movement therebetween, said spaced members having means cooperating with portions of said injector units to locate the injector units therebetween, conduit means for connecting each of said injector units with a different source of fluid, and means for forcing a different fluid from the outlet of each of said injector units upon relative movement of said first and second members whereby a plurality of different fluids may be simultaneously deposited thereby on said material, said fluid injector units each have a pair of pilot portions which are removably insertable in openings in said first and second spaced members to accurately position said injector units relative to each other, said outlet of said injector units being located in the pilot portion received in said second member.
 27. An apparatus for use in a press to deposit fluid on material in a predetermined design, said apparatus comprising first and second spaced members insertable as a unit into the press, surface means for defining a first series of identical openings connected with said first member, surface means for defining a second series of identical openings connected with said second member, each opening of said first series of openings being dispoed in alignment with an opening of said second series of openings, a plurality of fluid injector units removably disposed between said plate members for discharging fluid upon movement of at least one of said plate members to decrease the spacing between said plate members, each of said fluid injector units including a first end portion disposed in engagement with one of said openings of said first series of openings and a second end portion disposed in engagement with the opening of said second series of openings which is in alignment with said one opening of said first series of openings, a plurality of non-injector spring-loading units removably disposed between said plate members for yieldably opposing movement of at least one of said plate members in a direction decreasing the spacing between said plate members, each of said non-injector units spacing between said plate members, each of said non-injector units including a first end portion diposed in engagement with one of said openings of said first series of openings and a second end portion disposed in engagement with the opening of said second series of openings which is in alignment with said one of said first series of openings engaged by said first end portion of said non-injector unit, each of said injector units being interchangeable with one of said non-injector units to enable the spatial relationship between the injector units and non-injector units to be altered. 